6 Day East Kimberley Bucket List

Arrive into Kununurra Airport today and the team from Freshwater Apartments will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.

This afternoon, you will participate in one of the most unique dining experiences the Kimberley has to offer!

This ‘must do’ culinary experience’s secret location is nestled amongst iconic Boab trees and rugged red cliff faces – the perfect Kimberley setting for your three-course gourmet camp oven dinner under the stars.

​Sit back and soak in the ambiance of an outback sunset as it transforms into a star-lit sky with a complimentary Matsos Ginger Beer in hand.

Hailed by many as the best restaurant in Kununurra – all dishes are created in front of your eyes, over the fire or in camp ovens. Each dish has an emphasis on flavour and freshness using a combination of locally sourced produce and bush tucker.

Today your adventure begins with a scenic flight departing Kununurra passing over Lake Argyle, the Ord River Irrigation Area, Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, Ord and Bow Rivers and Bungle Bungle Range. Your plane will land at the remote and unsealed Bellburn Airstrip in Purnululu National Park where you will be met by your experienced guide.

From here you will be driven in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle to the beginning of your guided walk. Your guide will lead you on a moderate 3km walk throughout the famous eroded towers and beehive-shaped domes on the Domes Walk.  Head towards Cathedral Gorge, where you can walk alongside towering cliffs which create phenomenal natural acoustics within the Gorge.  Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch after a morning of exploring. You will then head out along the rocky creek bed of Piccaninny Creek, which only flows during periods of high rainfall.

After your walking tour concludes, capture another amazing view of the Bungle Bungle domes and red rock gorges on an exhilarating 30-minutes HeliSpirit scenic flight. There are more stunning features and spectacular landforms to see in this half-hour scenic flight than you could imagine. View the hidden red rock gorges of the northwest tip of the Bungle Bungle Range, as well as Piccaninny Gorge from end to end and the unique beehive shaped formations. These stunning and unique geological formations are the hero of Purnululu National Park which is recognised internationally for their natural beauty and is one of only 16 Natural World Heritage listed areas in Australia.

After a day of exploring, you will take a scenic fixed wing flight back to Kununurra landing approximately 5.00pm.

** Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea provided

You will be collected at 6.30 this morning from your accommodation.  Guided by an El Questro ranger you day begins with a guided hike into Emma Gorge. Renowned as one of the most spectacular gorges of The Kimberley, it is characterised by massive scree slopes and cliff face escarpments reaching up to 120m on both sides of the trail. At the end you will be rewarded with a swim in the waterhole at the base of a towering 65 metre chasm graced by a droplet waterfall.  Terrain is uneven and rocky with some parts offering little shade. Return to the resort for a quick morning tea before heading off to Zebedee thermal springs where the tour will have exclusive access.

Following this, enjoy a delicious Beef or Barramundi lunch at the station (dietary requirements catered for).

The afternoon will be spent boating the Chamberlain Gorge. Only accessible by boat, this 3 km fresh waterhole is bound by diverse flora and fauna and belittled by a towering escarpment. Enjoy sparkling wine and fresh fruit as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Ask your Ranger about the cheeky Archerfish and Barramundi you can feed. Upon conclusion your return transfer will deliver you back to your accommodation at 6.30pm.

** Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea included

NOTE: The hike into Emma Gorge is approximately 1 hour each way.  The terrain is uneven and rocky with some parts offering little shade.  If mobility does not allow this hike you are welcome to use the facilities at Emma Gorge Resort for this part of the tour.

Departing Kununurra, this tour begins with a scenic aeroplane flight over the Ord River, Carlton Hill Station, Wyndham and the Cambridge Gulf, before reaching the coast. Along the way, you will witness stunning views of beautifully patterned mud flats, as well as the magnificent Berkeley River, King George Falls, and Kalumburu. This flight lands at the remote Mitchell Plateau Airstrip, where you will disembark and board a pristine HeliSpirit helicopter. The helicopter will transfer you from the airstrip to the beginning of the walk at the campground. You will follow your tour guide on a beautiful 4.5 kilometre hike viewing some indigenous art along the way into the stunning Mitchell Falls. This hike can be challenging at points, with uneven tracks and river crossings, so there is an option to take a helicopter transfer straight from the campground to the falls (additional $160 per person – min 2 may be required). Once arriving at the falls, you will have time to marvel at their beauty, take a swim in the Mitchell River and admire the fascinating flora and fauna of this area while enjoying a fresh picnic-style lunch. You will transfer via helicopter from the top of the falls including an orbit or two and then onto the airstrip. You will board the aeroplane for your return scenic flight to Kununurra passing over El Questro and the Cockburn Range.

What to bring: Camera fully charged; memory space, day pack, swimwear, towel,
refillable water bottle, sturdy walking/hiking shoes that can get wet, sun protective
cool clothing, hat, sunscreen, and spare pair of socks.

Departs Kununurra | May to August | Thursday and Saturday | 6:00am
Returns Kununurra | approx. 3:00pm

Today you’ll explore Kununurra’s most iconic waterways – the upper Ord River and Lake Argyle.

Leaving early in the morning for your personalised Ord River experience. Enjoy your tour, your way when you join Steve’s Silent Tours on the Ord River. With a maximum of 4 passenger, exploring the Ord River with Steve allows you to choose the features and highlights that you want to see. Choose to leave Kununurra as early as the sparrows for a unique dawn experience where you can capture mirror like images & hear the dawn chorus of our native bird life. See stunning wildlife including the Osprey, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Azure King fisher, and the odd crocodile and get closer for those magic moments. If you would like to explore waterways by foot up-river, there are hidden locations known to locals where a short walk will reward you with a private swimming hole.

Enjoy a cup of bush tea whilst drifting down river with the peaceful sounds of nature.

After lunch, you will witness the awe-inspiring Lake Argyle on a beautiful sunset cruise.

Around 12:45pm you will be collected by Lake Argyle Cruises coach and transported to Lake Argyle.  Enjoy commentary about the local area, communities and industries with our experience driver.  Stop at the Durack Homestead Museum and learn about this pioneering family before meeting up with your skipper for the afternoon. On this popular sunset cruise, explore the rugged northern end of Lake Argyle while navigating through some of the lake’s 90 islands and inlets.  Your Skipper will entertain and inform with commentary on the natural history and development of Lake Argyle, the Ord River Irrigation System and the Aquaculture Industry.

You’ll encounter Rock Wallabies, Freshwater Crocodiles, Wallaroos (Euros) and the diverse array of birdlife that call Lake Argyle home. You’ll be delighted and awed by the Archer Fish that shoot water up at your hand with amazing precision. You’ll watch a Catfish feeding frenzy (also known by the fancier term of ‘Silver Cobbler’). As the sun sinks behind the glorious Carr Boyd Ranges, you’ll enjoy a swim in the Lake with a complimentary drink and nibbles to make the most of this magic time of day.  With rugged red cliffs reflecting into the blue water, Lake Argyle is the ultimate place to catch the last golden rays of the Kimberley sun.

Overnight: Freshwater Apartments – One Bedroom Apartment

**Sunset drinks and nibbles included.

Today, depart Kununurra with memories that will last a lifetime, Kimberley bucket list – DONE!

If you have the morning to spare, have a look around the Kununurra township at the many Art galleries, Diamond Shops and enjoy a coffee and cake at one of the cafes. For the more active, enjoy a morning walk through Mirima National Park or climb Kelly’s knob for an amazing view of the beautiful valley we call home.